WAKEFIELD- I (Jane Bossi) am writing to the Wakefield Item today because I would like to pay tribute to my brother-in-law and treasured friend Dennis Rich, who at 38 years old lost his courageous battle with cancer on Monday, October 22nd. Dennis was married to my sister, Jodi, for nine years. He was the love of her life and her best friend. Shortly after they were married they bought a home in Wakefield and started a family. They had three beautiful daughters: Alana 8, Elise 5, and Mia who is 22 months old. Jodi was only three months pregnant with Mia when Dennis was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer in his heart known as Cardiac Angio-Sarcoma. Sarcoma is a soft tissue cancer which represents less than 8 percent of all adult cancers. He had asthma like symptoms for about a year and was seen several times by doctors before a mass was detected in his heart. He endured open heart surgery and many months of chemotherapy and radiation.
Because of his strength, positive attitude, and determination he defied the odds and was cancer-free for many months. He was able to witness his daughter Mia’s birth and create many more lasting memories for his children. He continued playing softball and golf. He took vacations and was constantly out with family and friends. Dennis was the co-owner of Rich Construction Company with his brother and best friend Jimmy Rich. Jimmy will continue to keep their company running strong. Many local patrons knew and loved Dennis.
Last October his cancer returned. He chose to stay positive and continued to fight. More importantly he continued to live his life. He did chemotherapy treatments every week after work but he made sure he spent every weekend with family and friends having fun. He took his girls to Disney World and to the Bahamas, they went boating and camping over the summer. He was an avid sports fan and took in as many football and baseball games as he could. He never complained or felt sorry for himself.
He was an inspiration to all that knew him. He constantly said how much he loved life and his energy was contagious. His brother Jimmy described Dennis in three sentences: He feared nothing. He embraced anyone. He loved everyone.
A few days before Dennis passed away, his sister Katie started a website to honor Dennis. The website is full of photos of his life. He was the oldest of seven children. He grew up in Revere and graduated with the Revere High School class of 1987. He was a 1992 UMass Lowell graduate and received his Masters degree from the USF in Tampa. His loving parents Dennis and Jeannie now reside in Topsfield, his brother Jimmy lives in North Reading, his sisters Mary, Erin and Katie live in New Hampshire, Kelli lives in Ipswich and Jeannie lives in Groveland. Please take the time to visit the website www.drichhungryforlife.blogspot.com, it is an amazing site. There have been over 15,000 hits on it already. Katie is selling bracelets that say “HUNGRY FOR LIFE”. This was a phrase that Dennis said to my sister during his last hospital stay. He wanted her to know that he would not give up because he was still hungry for life. He said he was going out swinging and that he did. He was a hero to us and he will never be forgotten.
Lastly, I would like to thank so many of you that have embraced my sister and her girls during this extremely difficult time. Alana and Elise attend the Dolbeare School and I can honestly say that the love and support they have received from Principal Dubina, the teaching staff, and countless Dolbeare parents has been incredible. There have also been so many wonderful people in this town that have reached out to me and my children and I truly thank you all for that.
A trust fund has been set up for Alana, Elise, and Mia Rich. If you would like to make a donation you can mail a check to: The Rich Children Trust Fund c/o The Savings Bank, 357 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880. Thank you for all your support.
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